Jahmyr Gibbs had to share his first rushing touchdown at Ford Field with the Detroit Lions home crowd. After all, his success directly affects the team and their fans. The former Alabama standout did not disappoint when given more touches on offense.

Gibbs finished their 2023 Week 8 Monday Night Football game against the Las Vegas Raiders with 26 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown. He also caught all five balls thrown at him for 37 yards. It’s his first 100-yard game in the pros, and it came at the perfect time.

The rookie has already missed two games this season due to a hamstring injury. But he bounced back to collect 220 yards against the Raiders and the Baltimore Ravens. Gibbs has also scored a touchdown in two consecutive games.

Jahmyr Gibbs sliding in seamlessly for David Montgomery

The Lions had high hopes for him after selecting him 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, they eased him into the pros by starting David Montgomery, whom they signed last March to a three-year, $18 million contract.

Montgomery has been superb for Detroit, collecting 385 yards and six touchdowns in five games. The Lions won four of the five games he played, including his 121-yard, three-touchdown game versus the Green Bay Packers.

However, he sustained a rib cartilage injury during the second quarter of their Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared after the game, Montgomery will be out for a while because his injury won’t be easy to deal with.

Luckily for the Lions, Gibbs recovered while Montgomery was out. Despite their Week 7 loss to the Ravens, Gibbs had 68 rushing yards, 58 receiving yards, and a touchdown.

Can Jahmyr Gibbs build on this impressive showing?

Jahmyr Gibbs will have a chance to build on this breakout performance after their Week 9 bye. After their one-week break, the Lions will visit the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. They will also face the Chicago Bears in Week 11 and the Packers again in Week 12. Both games against their NFC North rivals will be at Ford Field.

Those three teams are on contrasting sides regarding rushing yards allowed per game. The Bears are third-best, allowing 78.8 yards per game, while the Chargers are sixth at 93.4 per game. Meanwhile, the Packers are 26th, giving up 132 rushing yards per game.

But while Chicago and Los Angeles surrender little rushing yards, their pass defense has been terrible. The Bears rank 30th at 262.3 passing yards allowed per game, while the Chargers are dead last at 297.4.

However, Gibbs can also be a threat in the passing game, gaining 165 yards in six games. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson may adjust the game plan accordingly, making Gibbs a vital component of their passing attack.

-Lance Fernandez